Supporting two 230kV circuits, rather than one

Gaco-Volusia #1 and 2 230kV Rebuild

Located in east-central Florida, Volusia County is home to approximately half a million residents. The community relies in part on the Gaso-Volusia power substation, which needed to make modifications to the transmission line. A Florida electric utility requested transmission line and structural engineering support for the rebuilding of the existing Osteen-Volusia 23kV line.

The existing H-frame wood poles supported a 230kV circuit, but the new Gaso Substation required more. The client approached our Power team for help. We stepped in to design the rebuilding, altering the poles to support two 230kV circuits, rather than one. The project utilized single pole concrete structures within the existing corridor.

The line is rebuilt as a 6.6-mile double circuit, with both lines being routed to the new Gaco Substation. Our role? We provided structural and foundational engineering for all structures, as well as a PLS-CADD model—one of the most practical overhead power line design programs in the industry. The results? The model helped meet all clearances and requirements for the 54-pole installation.

Completed in 2017, our team also developed the EMF analysis, bill of material, construction specifications, and permit drawings.